Investigating the Role and Attitudes of Citizens Toward Sustainable Water Management on a Mediterranean Island, Chios, Greece

Chios, the fifth largest of the Greek islands, faces water quality and scarcity problems. The intense overexploitation and the detection of mercury (Hg) in water supplies suggest that it is unsuitable for drinking, and the available water resources must be protected. The rational management of water is a crucial priority for the local authorities of the island. Residents also have an essential responsibility regarding the way they use the available water resources. A questionnaire was conducted to investigate citizens’ actions and attitudes toward water management of Chios Island, focusing on the capital city. The results reveal that 82.7% of the respondents apply water-saving measures but policymakers must encourage further adopting water-saving measures. The findings are helpful for local authorities to design policies and strategies for water management of the island.